As expected, we didn't see anywhere near the massacre we witnessed at Buffalo Gap earlier this season, but once again Riverheads only needed five innings to roll past the Bison 10-0. Adding the two scores together, the Big Red outscored their county rivals 32-0 this year, and although my stats are unofficial, I believe that tonight's starting (winning) pitcher, Ethan Fitzgerald, tossed a no-hitter. If so, that would be a nice complement to Brody Phillips' perfect game the first time the teams met.
There was one play tonight that could have been ruled a hit but I think the official call was an error and If so, Fitzgerald may have indeed gotten the no-fer. On another play, the Gap was robbed of a hit when second baseman Levi Dunlap hustled back onto the grass in short right field and hauled in a circus catch to deny the Bison batter on that occasion.
Meanwhile Riverheads scored all they would need in the bottom of the first as they loaded the bases with nobody out. Bison starter Kasey Fitzgerald struck out the next batter, but walked the next two to give RHS its first two runs. They would score one more that inning and added single tallies in the second and third to grab an early 5-0 advantage. After a scoreless fourth inning, RHS loaded the sacks again to begin the fifth, and ultimately doubled the score against the fourth Bison hurler of the game to accomplish the run-rule victory.
To Buffalo Gap's credit, their fielding was more efficient tonight as they had literally booted, bobbled, and tossed the ball all over the field in the first encounter. So there was definite improvement but the Gladiators just got the key hits they needed tonight to get the job done.
Riverheads will now wrap up the regular season Wednesday, weather-permitting, when they travel to Staunton. The forecast looks iffy to say the least, but if that one should be rained out, my understanding is that there is plenty of time left before regional play begins to make up any and all needed games. Speaking of regionals, my sources tell me that the Gladiators will be on solid ground to host a Region 2-B first round game, but apparently that will not be until Memorial Day or thereabouts.
While the Big Red boys were taking care of business tonight, the much more competitive game was happening next door. The Lady Gladiators took an early 5-2 lead and were still ahead 5-4 entering the seventh. But the Lady Bison uncorked a three-run homer as part of a never-ending final at-bat, as they stormed back for an 8-5 victory.
That win avenged an earlier home loss to the Big Red and if memory serves, that game followed almost the same script as tonight's. Word in the stands is that both teams are solidly in their playoffs. Riverheads had been on a tear prior to tonight, and should therefore be secure, whereas the Lady Bison may be in contention for the number one seed in Region 1-B but that of course is unofficial.
Anyway, it was a nice evening for Senior Night with the boys celebrating successfully but the girls falling short. Speaking of those seniors, best wishes for Saturday's upcoming graduation ceremonies and for that matter, best of luck to ALL the area graduates.
There was one play tonight that could have been ruled a hit but I think the official call was an error and If so, Fitzgerald may have indeed gotten the no-fer. On another play, the Gap was robbed of a hit when second baseman Levi Dunlap hustled back onto the grass in short right field and hauled in a circus catch to deny the Bison batter on that occasion.
Meanwhile Riverheads scored all they would need in the bottom of the first as they loaded the bases with nobody out. Bison starter Kasey Fitzgerald struck out the next batter, but walked the next two to give RHS its first two runs. They would score one more that inning and added single tallies in the second and third to grab an early 5-0 advantage. After a scoreless fourth inning, RHS loaded the sacks again to begin the fifth, and ultimately doubled the score against the fourth Bison hurler of the game to accomplish the run-rule victory.
To Buffalo Gap's credit, their fielding was more efficient tonight as they had literally booted, bobbled, and tossed the ball all over the field in the first encounter. So there was definite improvement but the Gladiators just got the key hits they needed tonight to get the job done.
Riverheads will now wrap up the regular season Wednesday, weather-permitting, when they travel to Staunton. The forecast looks iffy to say the least, but if that one should be rained out, my understanding is that there is plenty of time left before regional play begins to make up any and all needed games. Speaking of regionals, my sources tell me that the Gladiators will be on solid ground to host a Region 2-B first round game, but apparently that will not be until Memorial Day or thereabouts.
While the Big Red boys were taking care of business tonight, the much more competitive game was happening next door. The Lady Gladiators took an early 5-2 lead and were still ahead 5-4 entering the seventh. But the Lady Bison uncorked a three-run homer as part of a never-ending final at-bat, as they stormed back for an 8-5 victory.
That win avenged an earlier home loss to the Big Red and if memory serves, that game followed almost the same script as tonight's. Word in the stands is that both teams are solidly in their playoffs. Riverheads had been on a tear prior to tonight, and should therefore be secure, whereas the Lady Bison may be in contention for the number one seed in Region 1-B but that of course is unofficial.
Anyway, it was a nice evening for Senior Night with the boys celebrating successfully but the girls falling short. Speaking of those seniors, best wishes for Saturday's upcoming graduation ceremonies and for that matter, best of luck to ALL the area graduates.
